How much does a ceiling track hoist system really cost?

For people with mobility issues, the right equipment makes all the difference.

But some equipment comes with a big investment — especially when it needs a dedicated installation.

If you’re looking to install a ceiling track hoist system, you need to know the costs involved. You need an understanding of the setup you need, and the choices you can make that affect the final price.

So how much does a ceiling track hoist system really cost?

Here are the ballpark figures to get you started:

Those are the broad estimates — and they should give you a good idea of what to expect.

But not every installation is the same. Depending on your setup and the features you need, the true cost of a ceiling track hoist can vary.

So to help you get a better understanding of what’s involved, we’ll take you through everything that makes a difference to how much you need to spend:

• Choosing the right type of system
• The rooms you need to access
• The building you’re installing it in
• The features you need
• And the funding you’re eligible for.

Ready to start? Let’s get into it:

What is a ceiling track hoist?

A ceiling track hoist is a fixed installation that helps people to move to different parts of a room, or from one room to another — either by themselves, or with the help of a carer.

It’s used in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and care homes to public Changing Places, as well as private residences and SEND schools.

But no matter where it’s installed, it has the same simple purpose:

To create a safe and reliable transfer method that doesn’t take up floor space.

Ceiling track hoists run on fixed tracks that are installed into the ceiling. Once the user is raised in the hoist, they can travel along the tracks to where they need to be, before they’re lowered into a new position.

(That could be as simple as moving from a bed to a wheelchair — or as complex as moving from a bed in one room to a desk in another room.)

What makes a difference to the cost?

Every user has different needs. And that makes every installation unique.

(That’s why our teams spend extra time in the discovery phase — so we can understand every detail of what you’re looking for.)

So what does that mean when it comes to the costs?

Here’s what you need to think about:

1.  The type of system you need

This is the biggest early decision you’ll make for your installation — and it often has the biggest impact on the final cost.

There are two main types of ceiling track hoist:

• Straight Track
• XY System (also known as an H-Track or H-Frame)

A straight track costs less — and an XY system costs more.

So why the difference?

A straight track is a simple installation that uses less equipment, and needs less time to install.

An XY system involves more tracks and more complex equipment — with a more involved installation that takes longer.

So between the materials and the labour, you’re looking at a more costly installation with an XY system.

Not sure what you need?

We’ve got an in-depth comparison for you right here. Learn the differences between a straight track and an XY system — and how to decide which is right for you.

Compare hoist systems

2.  The size and number of rooms

Some installations are smaller in scale, with a single room covering a small area.

But for people who need access to a wider area — with transfers across multiple rooms of different sizes — the costs of an installation can start to add up.

With more rooms and larger areas, you’ll need to install more tracks (and potentially more junctions), which means the cost of materials and labour will go up.

3.  The structure you’re installing in

Ceiling track hoists are fixed installations that need to safely take considerable weight.

That means they need to attach securely to load-bearing structures, such as the soffits and beams in a ceiling.

But some buildings weren’t designed with supportive equipment in mind — especially if you’re installing in a private residence.

That can add an extra challenge to your ceiling hoist installation. You might need some structural work to prepare your room, and that extra work can add to the costs.

Alternatively, for spaces where ceiling mounting is not feasible, the hoist can also be installed using a wall-mounted system.

This can be achieved either through a wall post system, where the weight and working load rests on the floor, or a wall bracket system, which requires a solid wall or additional reinforcement (patressing) on timber or metal stud walls.

Working with a challenging structure?

See how our teams pulled out all the stops to reconfigure the walls of a SEN school in Kent for their new accessible hygiene room.

Read the case study

4.  Any extra features you need

Different users will have different needs from their ceiling hoists. And the more complex your installation, the more likely you are to need extra features.

That’s especially true with installations that cover multiple rooms, where different tracks might need different junctions to connect them.

That could mean features like:

• Transition gates — so you can move from an X-Y system to a straight track system
• Turntables — to create junctions that allow for different routes
• Alternate hoists — like a 4-point carry bar for bariatric users.

These extra features need extra equipment, and add complexity to your installation — which can all add up to an increase in the costs.

What are the best ceiling track hoists?

No matter how simple or complex your installation is, you’re going to need reliable equipment from a reputable seller.

And while the best manufacturers don’t come cheap, it’s not an area where you want to cut corners — the safety of your users is at stake!

We work with some of the top manufacturers in the industry, so we’re happy to recommend ceiling track hoist systems from:

• GoLift by Amico
• MoLift
• And Robin by Invacare.

Discover the GoLift

Our leading ceiling hoist system, and the most compact and discreet installation on the market.

• In-rail battery charging
• Multiple track layout options
• Changing Places compliant

Learn more

How can I fund an installation?

We’ve talked a lot about costs and what’s involved. But if you’re planning a ceiling track hoist for your own private residence, you might not be able to cover it with your own funds.

For ceiling track hoists in the UK, you may be eligible for funding through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

It’s a government-backed fund designed to help people with disabilities who need to make changes to their homes — which means a ceiling hoist for a disabled person is exactly the sort of thing it was made for.

The amount you can get depends on your household income and your savings. But with a maximum grant of up to £30,000 in England, a DFG could be more than enough to cover the installation of a ceiling hoist.

You can apply for a DFG through your local council — or check your eligibility on the DFG website.

Need an expert to help you work through the costs?

We’ve been designing accessible spaces and installing equipment for over 20 years — from installations in private residences, to working with occupational therapists in hospitals and venues.

That means we’ve got the experience and knowledge to guide you through the planning of your ceiling hoist project — to help you keep costs down and get more value from your budget.

So if you need advice about the ceiling hoist you’re planning, drop a message to one of our experts
— we’ll be happy to talk you through the options and the costs.